State money helps Massachusetts communities save the environment

When more than 200 communities across the state take small steps to become more energy efficient, the cumulative impact can be significant.

Gerry Tuoti Wicked Local Newsbank Editor

When more than 200 communities across the state take small steps to become more energy efficient, the cumulative impact can be significant.

In December, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources accepted 25 new cities and towns into the state’s Green Communities program, an initiative that provides grants to municipalities that adopt a series of energy efficiency policies and set a goal of reducing their energy consumption by 20 percent within five years.

“Communities all across the state will use these grant funds for innovative programs to reduce energy usage and invest in renewable energy projects, and the benefits will flow to taxpayers and the environment,” Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Geoff Beckwith said.

The program’s 2015 progress report, the most recent available, found Green Communities had saved enough energy to power and heat 17,100 homes over seven years. The program is projected to result in reductions in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 37,000 cars off the road for a year.

The new communities joining the program include Abington, Canton, Duxbury, Franklin, Middleboro, Plainville, Sharon, Stoneham, Waltham and Wellesley.

If the 25 new Green Communities hit their five-year energy goals, they will save enough additional energy to heat and power 2,302 homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to taking 4,975 cars off the road.

“The Green Communities Program is vital to ensuring a balanced approach to long-term energy use reduction and a sustainable Commonwealth,” state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton said in a statement. “I commend the 25 communities joining the Green Communities Program and look forward to continued collaboration in achieving our combined interest of integrating energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.”

The Green Communities program provides participating communities access to grants for municipal energy efficiency projects. In the past, cities and towns have used the funds for lighting upgrades, new thermostats and heating systems, weatherization projects and public charging stations for electric cars.

Since the program launched in 2010, it has awarded more than $85 million in competitive grants statewide for more than 550 lighting upgrades, 350 weatherization projects, 4,875 heating and ventilation upgrades and other projects, according to the DOER.

Melrose, for example, has used more than $868,000 in grants to purchase electric vehicles, convert streetlights to efficient LEDs, upgrade HVAC systems in municipal buildings, hire an energy efficiency manager and fund other projects.

In Hopkinton, town officials have used a total of more than $793,000 in Green Communities grants to fund efficiency measures in town schools, the DPW garage, police station, fire station and senior center. The projects include the purchase of a hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle charging station, converting exterior lighting at several municipal buildings to LEDs, installing digital energy management systems.

Scituate has been awarded more than $669,000 in grants, which it has used for projects including upgrades to motors and transformers for well and sewer pumps, LED lighting retrofits, new hot water heaters and new boilers.

Brookline has used more than $808,000 in grant funding for projects including converting streetlights and exterior building lights to LEDs, conducting a solar energy feasibility study and installing electric vehicle charging stations.

The Green Communities grants are funded by carbon allowance auction proceeds from the multi-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and from payments made by retail electric suppliers that fail to meet their renewable energy portfolio requirements.

There are now 210 Green Communities, encompassing 68 percent of the state’s population.

When a city or joins the program, it must undergo a baseline energy audit, which is used to determine its current energy use and future goals. The community must also adopt an expedited permitting schedule for renewable energy generation facilities, commit to purchasing only fuel-efficient municipal vehicles and adopt a building code that sets stricter energy efficiency requirements on new construction.

New Green Communities are given an initial grant award for energy efficiency projects, then are eligible to apply for additional competitive grants in the future.

“The Green Communities Program helps the state achieve a renewable energy portfolio, while preserving taxpayer resources,” Governor Charlie Baker said in a statement. “With over 68 percent of residents living in a green community, the program continues to be a successful model for state and local governments working together to achieve impactful progress and responsible savings.”

Community Info

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
Wicked Local Rochester ~ 182 Standish Avenue, Plymouth, MA 02360 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service